Are you craving some comfort food tonight? I know I am. It’s been a chilly weekend down here in Florida, which means it’s time to break out the gluten free chicken & dumplings! The cold front has made it that I’m not even using the best portable air conditioner that I bought not too long ago! But the savory chicken and vegetables in a creamy stock, packed with flavorful spices and topped with gluten free dumplings makes it all worthwhile.

Does it really get any better than that?

Let’s talk about these dumplings for a minute. I know some of you are used to rolling these out and placing them down in strips. Here’s the thing, though. You can totally still do that! Go get your long dumplings on there.

Personally, I like to go with the kind I can use an ice cream scoop for because it’s easier. And when I’m craving comfort food, sometimes I just like to get right to it, and get it done.

I also added dried thyme to the dumpling mix, which is why they’re coming out a darker color. If you want something a bit brighter, you can switch it out for fresh thyme. When I have the time, I usually use fresh thyme. See what I did there? 🙂

Another tip with this dish – the turmeric is optional. Yes, there, I said it. I love this recipe exactly the way it is, because it’s how I prefer it. I think the turmeric adds a lot of flavor to the dish, and I personally would leave it in there. But if you want to see that lighter less yellow color in your dish, you can take the turmeric out.

I used the traditional vegetables in here, because I also love how aromatic they get when you’re sautéing them. Peas, carrots, celery, potatoes, and onions just go together perfectly. But, you can really throw in whatever you have in your pantry. I happen to love adding things like zucchini, kale, or parsnips, but that’s completely your personal preference.

I know it’s springtime, but in Florida the weather is jumping back and forth from hot beach weather, to chilly jacket weather. Which means I’m jumping back and forth from light summer eating, to hot homestyle comfort foods. It’s a little bit exhausting.

But as tiring as it is, it’s also giving me a chance to enjoy some of my favorite foods, like these gluten free chicken and dumplings, without overheating. So it’s also a win!

And tonight, I’m going to make an entire dinner experience with this, including dessert. So I’ve included a list of desserts I’m looking at. It’s so hard to just pick one! Maybe you’ll have a favorite out of all of them.

No Bake Cheesecake With Blueberry Topping – Here’s my own no-bake cheesecake. It’s a little bit heavier than the first two desserts, but it’s REALLY easy to make, which is honestly the best thing after you’ve spent time making a dish like gluten free chicken and dumplings.